Camera focus and stabilization system

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments include a camera with a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly to provide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS) movement. The VCM actuator assembly is configured to move an image sensor of the camera in three dimensions (e.g. X, Y, and Z) to provide the AF and/or OIS movements. The VCM actuator assembly is asymmetrical and includes an at least partially open side that allows an optical assembly of the camera to pass through the open side of the VCM actuator. In some embodiments, the optical assembly is part of a folded optics arrangement of the camera that includes one or more prisms/and or lenses.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/571,659, filed Sep. 16, 2019, which claims benefit of priority toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/739,110, filed Sep. 28, 2018,and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to an actuator assembly configured totranslate an image sensor of a camera in directions along three axes(e.g. X, Y, and Z directions).

Description of the Related Art

The advent of small, mobile multipurpose devices such as smartphones andtablet or pad devices has resulted in a need for high-resolution, smallform factor cameras for integration into such devices. Some small formfactor cameras may incorporate optical image stabilization (OIS)mechanisms that may sense and react to external excitation/disturbanceforces by adjusting a location of one or more optical lenses in one ormore directions in an attempt to compensate for unwanted motion of thelenses. Some small form factor cameras may incorporate an autofocus (AF)mechanism whereby an object focal distance can be adjusted to focus anobject plane in front of the camera at an image plane to be captured byan image sensor of the camera. In some such autofocus mechanisms, theoptical lens or lenses are moved as a single rigid body along theoptical axis of the camera to refocus the camera.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, a camera includes an aperture configured to enablelight to enter the camera and an image sensor configured to capture thelight that has entered the camera and convert the light into imagesignals. The camera also includes a voice coil motor (VCM) actuatorassembly configured to translate the image sensor along three axes (e.g.X, Y, and Z axes). In some embodiments, the VCM actuator assembly isopen on at least one side to allow at least a portion of an opticalassembly of the camera to pass through the open side of the VCM actuatorassembly. The VCM actuator assembly includes a substrate carrier,carrier frame, spring plate, suspension elements, and one or more VCMactuators. The image sensor is mounted on a substrate supported by thesubstrate carrier. The carrier frame at least partially surrounds thesubstrate carrier and permits the substrate carrier to translatevertically in an autofocus (AF) direction (e.g. in the Z-direction)relative to the carrier frame. The spring plate mechanically couples thesubstrate carrier to the carrier frame, wherein the spring plate permitsmotion of the substrate carrier relative to the carrier frame in theautofocus (AF) direction (e.g. a Z-direction) and restricts motion ofthe substrate carrier relative to the carrier frame in a plurality ofoptical image stabilization (OIS) directions orthogonal to the autofocus(AF) direction (e.g. X and Y directions). The suspension elements aremechanically connected at a first end to a static member of the cameraand are mechanically connected at a second end to the carrier frame,either directly or via respective flex tabs of the spring plate. Thesuspension elements permit motion of the carrier frame and the substratecarrier in the plurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) directions(e.g. X and Y directions) and restrict motion of the carrier frame inthe autofocus (AF) direction (e.g. the Z-direction). The one or morevoice coil motor actuators, formed between respective magnets mounted tothe carrier frame and respective coils positioned within the VCMactuator assembly, are configured to move the image sensor in theautofocus (AF) direction (e.g. the Z-direction) and move the imagesensor in the plurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) directionsorthogonal to the autofocus direction (e.g. the X and Y directions).

In some embodiments, a voice coil motor actuator assembly includes aplurality of magnets, a plurality of coils, a substrate carrierconfigured to support an image sensor on a substrate coupled to thesubstrate carrier, a carrier frame at least partially surrounding thesubstrate carrier, and a flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includesa spring plate that mechanically couples the substrate carrier to thecarrier frame, wherein the spring plate permits motion of the substratecarrier relative to the carrier frame in an autofocus (AF) direction(e.g. Z-direction), and wherein the spring plate restricts motion of thesubstrate carrier relative to the carrier frame in a plurality ofoptical image stabilization (OIS) directions orthogonal to the autofocus(AF) direction (e.g. X and Y directions). The flexure assembly alsoincludes a set of suspension elements configured to mechanically connectthe carrier frame to a static member, wherein the suspension elementspermit motion of the carrier frame and the substrate carrier in theplurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) directions orthogonal tothe autofocus (AF) direction (e.g. X and Y directions) and restrictmotion of the carrier frame in the autofocus (AF) direction (e.g. theZ-direction).

In some embodiments, a mobile multifunction device includes one or moreprocessors, a display, and a camera including an aperture, image sensor,and voice coil motor actuator assembly. The aperture is configured toenable light to enter the camera, and the image sensor is configured tocapture the light that has entered the camera and convert the light intoimage signals. The voice coil motor actuator assembly includes aplurality of magnets, a plurality of coils, a substrate carrier, acarrier frame, a spring plate, and a set of suspension elements. Thesubstrate carrier supports the image sensor on a substrate coupled tothe substrate carrier. The carrier frame at least partially surroundsthe substrate carrier and the spring plate mechanically couples thesubstrate carrier to the carrier frame, wherein the spring plate permitsmotion of the substrate carrier relative to the carrier frame in anautofocus (AF) direction (e.g. Z-direction), and wherein the springplate restricts motion of the substrate carrier relative to the carrierframe in a plurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) directionsorthogonal to the autofocus (AF) direction (e.g. X and Y directions).The set of suspension elements mechanically connect the carrier frame toa static member of the camera, either directly or via flex tabs of thespring plate, wherein the suspension elements permit motion of thecarrier frame and the substrate carrier in the plurality of opticalimage stabilization (OIS) directions orthogonal to the autofocus (AF)direction and restrict motion of the carrier frame in the autofocus (AF)direction. The one or more processors of the multi-function device areconfigured to cause the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly to movethe image sensor in the autofocus (AF) direction (e.g. Z-direction) andcause the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly to move the imagesensor in the plurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) directionsorthogonal to the autofocus direction (e.g. X and Y directions).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified view of a folded optics arrangementcamera that is configured to translate an image sensor in an autofocusdirection and multiple optical image stabilization directions, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates movements of an image sensor of a folded opticsarrangement camera in an autofocus direction and multiple optical imagestabilization directions, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a voice coil motor assembly (VCM) configured totranslate an image sensor in an autofocus direction and multiple opticalimage stabilization directions, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed view of an upper flexure assemblycomprising a spring plate and suspension elements and a more detailedview of a lower flexure assembly of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuatorassembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a voice coil motor actuator assembly static flexurethat supports coils of the voice coil motor actuator assembly, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates positional relationships between coils and magnetsin a voice coil motor (VCM) assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a zoomed-in view of a cross-section illustrating an opticalimage stabilization (OIS) actuator in the OIS-Y direction, an autofocus(AF) actuator in the AF-Z direction, and a position sensor in the OIS-Ydirection, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6C is a zoomed-in view of a cross section illustrating an opticalimage stabilization (OIS) actuator in the OIS-X direction, a positionsensor in the OIS-X direction, and a position sensor in the autofocus(AF)-Z direction, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a voice coil motor assembly(VCM) configured to translate an image sensor in an autofocus directionand multiple optical image stabilization directions, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view, from a bottom-side, of a voicecoil motor assembly (VCM) configured to translate an image sensor in anautofocus direction and multiple optical image stabilization directions,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example portable multifunctiondevice that may include a folded optics arrangement camera and voicecoil motor actuator assembly configured to move an image sensor inthree-dimensions, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts an example portable multifunction device that mayinclude a folded optics arrangement camera and voice coil motor actuatorassembly configured to move an image sensor in three-dimensions,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example computer system that may include a foldedoptics arrangement camera and voice coil motor actuator assemblyconfigured to move an image sensor in three-dimensions, according tosome embodiments.

This specification includes references to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment.” The appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “inan embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.

“Comprising.” This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims,this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider aclaim that recites: “An apparatus comprising one or more processor units. . . .” Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from includingadditional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphicscircuitry, etc.).

“Configured To.” Various units, circuits, or other components may bedescribed or claimed as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In suchcontexts, “configured to” is used to connote structure by indicatingthat the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry)that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, theunit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the taskeven when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currentlyoperational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used withthe “configured to” language include hardware—for example, circuits,memory storing program instructions executable to implement theoperation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is “configuredto” perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, for that unit/circuit/component.Additionally, “configured to” can include generic structure (e.g.,generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software and/or firmware(e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) tooperate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue.“Configure to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g.,a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g.,integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one ormore tasks.

“First,” “Second,” etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labelsfor nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering(e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuitmay be described herein as performing write operations for “first” and“second” values. The terms “first” and “second” do not necessarily implythat the first value must be written before the second value.

“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe one or morefactors that affect a determination. This term does not forecloseadditional factors that may affect a determination. That is, adetermination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least inpart, on those factors. Consider the phrase “determine A based on B.”While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A,such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also beingbased on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc.may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed asecond contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a firstcontact, without departing from the intended scope. The first contactand the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the samecontact.

The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. As used in the description and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willalso be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to andencompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon”or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” dependingon the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [astated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upondetermining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [thestated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the statedcondition or event],” depending on the context.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments include camera equipment outfitted with controls,magnets, voice coil motors, and suspension elements that move an imagesensor in three dimensions (e.g. X, Y, and Z). More specifically, insome embodiments, a voice coil motor actuator assembly includes asubstrate carrier that couples with a substrate of an image sensor tosuspend the image sensor in the camera below (or above) an opticalelement of the camera, such as a lens or prism. The substrate carrier ispositioned within at outer carrier frame that is supported by suspensionelements that suspend the carrier frame (and the substrate carriermounted to the carrier frame along with the image sensor coupled to thesubstrate carrier) below (or above) an optical element of the camera,such as a lens or prism. Light directed at the image sensor via theoptical element is directed from the optical element in a directionalong an optical axis of the camera towards the image sensor.

The image sensor may move in an autofocus direction (e.g. vertically)closer towards the optical element or further away from the opticalelement to focus an object plane in front of the camera at an imageplane to be captured by the image sensor of the camera. In order to movethe image sensor in the autofocus direction, a voice coil motor (VCM)actuator of the VCM actuator assembly may generate Lorentz forces thatcause the substrate carrier to translate vertically within the carrierframe either closer towards the optical element of the camera or furtheraway from the optical element of the camera.

The image sensor may also move in a plurality of optical imagestabilization (OIS) directions. For example, the image sensor may bemoved in a plane perpendicular to the autofocus direction (e.g. in the Xand Y directions). In order to move the image sensor in the OISdirections, an additional VCM actuator of the VCM actuator assembly maygenerate Lorentz forces that cause the carrier frame, substrate carrier,and image sensor to move together in a first OIS direction, such as theX-direction. Also, another VCM actuator may generate Lorentz forces thatcause the carrier frame, substrate carrier, and image sensor to movetogether in a second OIS direction, such as the Y-direction. In this waythe VCM actuator assembly may move the image sensor relative to theoptical element of the camera in an autofocus direction and in aplurality of optical image stabilization directions.

In some embodiments, the carrier frame and the substrate carrier mountedwithin the carrier frame may include at least one open side. In someembodiments, an optical assembly of the camera may extend through theopen side of the carrier frame and the substrate carrier to position anoptical element above (or below) the image sensor. For example, in someembodiments, a prism may extend through an open portion of the carrierframe and/or substrate carrier and may be positioned above (or below) animage sensor coupled to the substrate carrier.

In some embodiments, an optical assembly for a camera may include afolded optics assembly, wherein light enters the camera via an aperturedirected in a first direction. The light may be re-directed via a prisminto a second direction, and may then be re-directed again into a thirddirection that is directed towards an image sensor of the camera. Theimage sensor may be suspended below (or above) the prism via a voicecoil motor actuator assembly as described herein. The image sensor maybe moved closer towards or further away from an optical element of thecamera, such as the prism, to focus the camera. Also, the image sensormay be moved in a plane perpendicular to the autofocus direction tocompensate for motion imparted to the camera via a user of the camera.For example a person taking a picture may move their hand causing thecamera to move in a direction perpendicular to the autofocus direction.

In some embodiments, the voice coil motor actuator assembly may beasymmetrical, wherein magnets are mounted on three sides of a carrierframe of the voice coil motor actuator assembly, but magnets are not bemounted on an open fourth side of the carrier frame. This may allow thecarrier frame and substrate carrier to move around an optical element ofthe camera such as a prism or lens that extends through an open side ofthe voice coil motor actuator assembly.

In some embodiments, an optical assembly of a folded optics arrangementcamera that includes a voice coil motor actuator assembly, as describedherein, may include power prisms that converge or diverge light inaddition to reflecting the light. Also, an optical assembly of a foldedoptics camera that includes a voice coil motor actuator assembly, asdescribed herein, may include one or more lenses that converge ordiverge light, wherein the one or more lens are positioned betweenprisms of a folded optics arrangement camera. In some embodiments, theprisms, the one or more lenses, or a combination of prisms and/or lensesof an optical assembly of a folded optics arrangement camera may includefree form optical surfaces that are non-concentric surfaces thatconverge or diverge light in a specific manner to provide optical zoom.In some embodiments, glass optics may similarly be used to provideoptical zoom or a “zoomed” in view of a scene being captured by thecamera. In some embodiments, an optical assembly of a folded opticsarrangement camera that includes powered prisms and/or free form opticsmay require relative spacing and distances between the respectiveelements of the optical assembly (e.g. the prisms and lenses) to remainconstant. Thus, instead of moving a lens to focus the camera as iscommonly done in other camera applications, the image sensor may bemoved towards or away from an optical element of the optical assemblythat directs light that has been converged or diverged via the opticalassembly towards the image sensor.

In some embodiments, an arrangement of coils, magnets, and hall sensorsof a voice coil motor actuator assembly, as described herein, mayinclude a dual-pole magnet interacting with perpendicularly orientedcoils to generate Lorentz forces in perpendicular planes. For example acoil mounted to a side of a substrate carrier may be positioned along afirst side of a dual pole magnet mounted on a carrier frame and maygenerate Lorentz forces that cause the substrate carrier to move withinthe carrier frame vertically towards or away from an optical element.Also, another coil may be positioned below the dual pole magnet coupledto the carrier frame, and the other coil may be coupled to a stationarycomponent, such as a stationary flexure of the voice coil motor actuatorassembly. The other coil interacting with the dual pole magnet maygenerate Lorentz forces that cause the carrier frame and substratecarrier coupled to the carrier frame to move in a horizontal direction,e.g. a Y-direction. Also, a single pole magnet mounted to the carrierframe and oriented perpendicular to the dual pole magnet may interactwith another coil coupled to the stationary flexure to cause the carrierframe and substrate carrier coupled to the carrier frame to move inanother horizontal direction, e.g. an X-direction.

In some embodiments, hall sensors may be positioned below the staticflexure and may measure a magnetic field to determine a relativeposition of the carrier frame, and/or substrate carrier. Because theimage sensor is fixed to the substrate carrier and because the substratecarrier and the carrier frame move together in the X and Y directionsand because the image sensor and the substrate carrier move together inthe Z direction, relative positions of the substrate carrier and carrierframe may be used to determine relative positions of the image sensor,relative to an optical element of the camera, such as a prism in the X,Y, and Z directions (also referred to herein as the OIS-X, OIS-Y, andAF-Z directions).

In some embodiments, an additional hall sensor may be coupled to aflexure of a substrate carrier and may measure a magnetic field of asingle pole magnet mounted on the carrier frame to determine a relativevertical position of the substrate carrier relative to the carrierframe. Because the single pole magnet is mounted to the carrier frameand moves with the carrier frame, there is little or no cross couplingof directional measurements. For example, motion in the X or Y directionwill not show up in measurements in the Z direction because both themagnet used for the sensor and the hall sensor itself move together as aunit in the X and Y directions. Thus, motion in the X or Y direction isnot inadvertently attributed to the Z direction.

In some embodiments, the hall sensors included in a voice coil motoractuator assembly, as described herein, do not require additionalmagnets to measure magnetic fields used to determine relative positionsof an image sensor, but instead utilize magnets that are part of therespective voice coil motor actuators or the voice coil motor actuatorassembly.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified view of a folded optics arrangementcamera and shows how light is bent within the folded optics arrangementcamera, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, any of the embodiments described in regard to FIGS.2-11 may include one or multiple features, components, and/orfunctionality as described herein with regard to folded opticsarrangement camera 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, any of thefolded optics arrangement cameras described in regard to FIGS. 2-11 maybend light in a similar manner as described for folded opticsarrangement camera 100. Also, any of the embodiments described in regardto FIGS. 2-11 may be included in a folded optics arrangement camera,such as folded optics arrangement camera 100. Additionally, any of theembodiments described in regard to FIGS. 2-11 may include an imagesensor that is actuated in an autofocus (AF-Z) direction and opticalimage stabilization (OIS-X, OIS-Y) directions as described below forfolded optics arrangement camera 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and imagesensor 104 illustrated in FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, folded optics arrangement camera 100 may include agroup of one or more lenses 102 mounted in a lens carrier 104, a firstprism 106, a second prism 108, and an image sensor 110. In someembodiments, the lens carrier 104 may be located between the first prism106 and the second prism 108, forming an optical assembly 112. Light mayenter folded optics arrangement camera 100 via an aperture 116 andfollow an optical path 114 that is folded by the first prism 106 suchthat the light is directed towards the one or more lenses 102 of thelens carrier 104, passes through the one or more lenses 102, and isfolded by the second prism 108 such that the light is directed towardsthe image sensor 110. As will be discussed in further detail below, theimage sensor 110 may be coupled with an actuator assembly that isconfigured to move the image sensor 110 in multiple directions, e.g., toprovide autofocus (AF) and/or optical image stabilization (OIS)functionality.

In some embodiments, prism 106 and/or prism 108 may be a power prismthat both re-directs light and converges or diverges light. Also, insome embodiments, one or more optical surfaces of prism 106, 108, orlenses 102 may include a free-form optical surface that is notsymmetrical (either translationally or rotationally) about axes normalto the mean plane. Such free-form optics may provide a greater amount ofzoom than non-free-form optics. Also, in some embodiments, prism 106,108, or lenses 102 may include glass optics that provide zoom. In someembodiments, such as embodiments that include power prisms, free-formoptics, and/or glass optics, it may be necessary to maintain a relativeposition and distance between optical elements of an optical assembly,such as prism 106, 108, or lenses 102 of optical assembly 112 in orderfor the power prism, free-form optics and/or glass optics to functionproperly.

FIG. 2 illustrates voice coil motor actuator movements of the imagesensor of the folded optics arrangement camera in an autofocus directionand multiple optical image stabilization directions, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example image sensor (e.g., image sensor 110) thatmoves in directions corresponding to at least three degrees of freedom,(e.g. along an X, Y, and Z axis) within a folded optics arrangementcamera 100. In some embodiments, the image sensor 110 may be actuated bya voice coil motor actuator assembly as described herein with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 3-11.

As indicated in FIG. 2, the image sensor 110 may be shifted (e.g., by anactuator, such as the actuator assemblies/arrangements discussed infurther detail below) along an OIS-X axis 202 to provide optical imagestabilization in the X-direction (also referred to herein as “OIS-X”movement). Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor 110 may beshifted along a Z-axis 204 to provide autofocus (AF) movement in theZ-direction (also referred to herein as the autofocus or “AF movement”).Additionally, or alternatively, the image sensor 110 may be shiftedalong a Y-axis 206 to provide OIS movement in OIS-Y directions (alsoreferred to herein as “OIS-Y movement”), which are orthogonal to theOIS-X directions.

FIG. 3 illustrates a voice coil motor assembly (VCM) configured totranslate an image sensor in an autofocus direction and multiple opticalimage stabilization directions, according to some embodiments.

Voice coil motor actuator assembly 300 includes carrier frame 302 andsubstrate carrier 304. Substrate carrier 304 couples to substrate 306 ofimage sensor 308. Substrate carrier 304 suspends image sensor 308 below(or above) an optical element of a camera that includes voice coil motoractuator assembly 300, wherein image sensor 308 can be moved in the X, Yor Z direction via voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly 300.

In some embodiments, VCM actuator assembly 300 may mount in a camerasuch as a folded optics camera as described above in regard to FIGS. 1and 2. In some embodiments, a static portion of a lower flexure of theVCM actuator assembly 300 may mount on a static component of a camerathat includes the VCM actuator assembly 300. For example, static portion310 of lower flexure 312 may mount on a base, can, wall, or other staticcomponent of a camera. The static portion 310 of lower flexure 312 mayconnect to a movable portion of the lower flexure 312 that is coupled tothe image sensor via one or more flexure arms of the lower flexure. Asan example, FIG. 3 illustrates static portion 310 of lower flexure 312coupled to image sensor 308 (via a movable portion of lower flexure 312)by a plurality of flexure arms 314 that connect between the staticportion 310 of the lower flexure 312 and the moveable center portion ofthe lower flexure. Note the moveable portion of lower flexure 312 maymount along the periphery or under image sensor 308, but is not visiblein FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, flexure arms, such as flexure arms 314, may includea flexure arm spring 316 and one or more traces 318 running along theflexure arm spring 316. In some embodiments, traces, such as traces 318may be mounted on a top side or bottom side of a flexure arm spring 316.In some embodiments, the traces 318 may be mounted in a single layer ormultiple layers. In some embodiments, a flexure arm spring, such asflexure arm spring 316, may provide a ground path for electricalcomponents connected to the lower flexure 312.

In some embodiments, a static portion of a lower flexure, such as staticportion 310 of lower flexure 312, may include one or more communicationconnectors 320 configured to couple a camera module that includes VCMactuator assembly 300 and image sensor 308 to one or more othercomponents of a device, such as multi-function device, in which thecamera module is mounted. For example, the communication connectors 320may provide image data captured by image sensor 308 to one or moreprocessors of the device and may receive control signals or commandsfrom the device for operations to be performed by the camera via VCMactuator assembly 300. For example, lower flexure 312 may includecommunication pathways between communication connectors 320 and imagesensor 308 via flexure arms 314. Also, a static flexure, such as staticflexure 322 may couple to the static portion 310 of the lower flexure312 and may provide communication pathways between the communicationconnectors 320, one or more actuator controllers and/or drivers, andcoils of VCM actuators that are embedded in or mounted on static flexure322. Also, one or more hall sensors may be mounted on static flexure 322and may provide magnetic field measurements (or displacementmeasurements) to other components of the VCM actuator assembly 300 (orother components of the camera) via communication pathways included instatic flexure 322. For example, FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, and 6C provide moredetailed illustrations of coils and sensors mounted to a static flexure,such as static flexure 322.

In some embodiments, suspension elements of a VCM actuator assembly,such as suspension elements 324, may support a weight of a carrier frameof a VCM actuator assembly. For example, suspension elements 324 coupledto respective corners of carrier frame 302 may suspend carrier frame 302above static portion 310 of lower flexure 312. Also, carrier frame 302may be suspended above static flexure 322, wherein static flexure 322 ispositioned underneath magnets 326 coupled to carrier frame 302 and abovelower flexure 312. In some embodiments, the magnets 326 may include twodual pole magnets mounted on either side of the carrier frame 302 and asingle pole magnet mounted on a side of the carrier frame orthogonal tothe sides on which the dual pole magnets are mounted. In someembodiments, no magnets are mounted on a fourth side of the carrierframe that remains open, such that a portion of an optical assembly of afolded optics arrangement camera can pass through the open side of thecarrier frame. In some embodiments, the optical assembly passing throughthe open side of the VCM actuator assembly is a static component and thesubstrate carrier 304 moves in a gap space between the substrate carrier304 and the optical assembly. Note the optical assembly is not shown inFIG. 3 for clarity, but may be similar to an optical assembly asdescribed in regard to optical assembly 112 in FIG. 1.

For example, in some embodiments, a dual pole magnet 328 is mounted on afirst side of carrier frame 302 and a second dual pole magnet 330 ismounted on an opposite side of the carrier frame, parallel to the dualpole magnet 328. In some embodiments, an additional single pole magnet332 is mounted on a third side of the carrier frame, wherein the thirdside is orthogonal to the first and second side, and wherein the singlepole magnet 332 is mounted perpendicular to the two dual pole magnets328 and 330.

In some embodiments, a spring plate may mechanically connect thesubstrate carrier to the carrier frame. For example, spring plate 334mechanically connects carrier frame 302 to substrate carrier 304. Insome embodiments, a spring plate, such as spring plate 334, may be asingle spring plate that connects carrier frame 302 to substrate 304 inmultiple locations, or in some embodiments, multiple individual springs,similar in function to spring plate 334 may mechanically connectsubstrate carrier 304 to carrier frame 302. In some embodiments, aspring plate, such as spring plate 334, may further include flex tabs,such as flex tabs 336. In some embodiments, suspension elements, such assuspension elements 324 may be mechanically connected to carrier frame302 via flex tabs 336 of spring plate 334. In some embodiments, aseparate flex tab may be used, or suspension elements 324 may directlycouple with carrier frame 302.

In some embodiments, spring plate 334, may flex in the Z-direction toallow substrate carrier 304 to translate vertically relative to carrierframe 302, but may restrict motion of substrate carrier 304 relative tocarrier frame 302 in directions orthogonal to the Z-direction (alsoreferred to herein as the autofocus direction). For example, carrierframe 302 and substrate carrier 304 (along with image sensor 308) maytranslate in the X and Y directions (e.g. the OIS-X and OIS-Y)directions as a group, but substrate carrier 304 may be restricted byspring plate 334 from moving within carrier frame 30s in the X and/or Ydirections.

In some embodiments, the suspension elements 324, may be semi-stiffsuspension wires that restrict vertical motion in the Z-direction butpermit lateral motion in the X and Y directions. For example, suspensionelements 324 may allow the carrier frame 302, substrate carrier 304, andimage sensor 308 (coupled to the substrate carrier 304) to translate inX and Y directions in response to Lorentz forces generated betweenmagnets 326 and the respective coils mounted in static flexure 322 andone or more coils mounted to substrate carrier 304. However, thesuspension elements 324 may restrict vertical or Z-motion of the carrierframe 302, wherein Z-motion of the image sensor 308 is achieved by thesubstrate carrier 304 translating vertically within carrier frame 302.

In some embodiments, an arrangement of suspension elements of an upperflexure along with a spring plate of the upper flexure that connects acarrier frame to a substrate carrier may allow for translation of theimage sensor in X, Y, and Z directions, but may resist rotation of theimage sensor about the X, Y, or Z axis. As noted above, the magnets 326of voice coil motor actuator assembly 300 may move with the carrierframe and the respective coils associated with the magnets may bestationary, or may be coupled to the substrate carrier 304 (e.g. AF-Zcoils).

In some embodiments, substrate carrier 304 may be made of a ceramicmaterial to reduce a moving mass of the voice coil motor actuatorassembly 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed view of an upper flexure assemblycomprising a spring plate and suspension elements and a more detailedview of a lower flexure assembly of a voice coil motor (VCM) actuatorassembly, according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, spring plate 334 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be aspring plate such as spring plate 334 illustrated in FIG. 4. Also,suspension elements 324 may be suspension elements 324 as illustrated inFIG. 4. Additionally, lower flexure 312 may be a lower flexure 312 asillustrated in FIG. 4.

Spring plate 334 includes flex tabs 402, “S” springs 404, 406, 408, and414, and acoustic bumper taps 416, 418, 420, 422, 426, 428, and 430. Insome embodiments, the flex tabs may couple with suspension elements andflex to reduce stresses in the suspension elements, such as suspensionelements 324, during high impact events, such as a device that includesa camera comprising a VCM actuator assembly 300 being dropped. In someembodiments, the acoustic bumper tabs may limit relative motion of asubstrate carrier relative to a carrier frame at both an upper travellimit and a lower travel limit. For example, a tab or knob on asubstrate carrier may impact the one or more acoustic bumper tabs toprevent the substrate carrier from travelling any further in a verticaldirection relative to the carrier frame.

Lower flexure 31 includes an outer static portion 310 and an innermovable portion 432. The outer static portion 310 is connected to theinner movable portion 432 via flexure arms 314. In some embodimentslower flexure 312 may provide a communication pathway between an imagesensor, such as image sensor 308 coupled to lower flexure 310 viamovable portion 432 and flex arms 314 and one or more static componentscoupled to connectors 320 of lower flexure 312.

FIG. 5 illustrates a voice coil motor actuator assembly static flexurethat supports coils of the voice coil motor actuator assembly, accordingto some embodiments.

In some embodiments, static flexure 322, may be the same static flexure322 illustrated in FIG. 3 and may couple with a static portion of alower flexure as illustrated by static portion 310 of lower flexure 312in FIG. 3. Static flexure 322 includes OIS Y driver 508 and OIS-X driver510 coupled to static flexure 322. OIS-Y driver 508 may cause current toflow through OIS-Y coil 502 and OIS-Y coil 504, which may cause Lorentzforces to be induced via an interaction with respective dual polemagnets mounted to a carrier frame adjacent to the OIS-Y coils. Forexample, OIS-Y coil 502 may be located adjacent to dual pole magnet 328and together with dual pole magnet 328 (shown in FIG. 3), may form avoice coil motor actuator that causes the carrier frame 302 to translatein the OIS-Y direction. In a similar manner, OIS-Y coil 504 may belocated adjacent to dual pole magnet 330 and together with dual polemagnet 330 (shown in FIG. 3), may form a voice coil motor actuator thatcauses the carrier frame 302 to translate in the OIS-Y direction. Insome embodiments, VCM actuators formed via OIS-Y coils 502 and 504 (andrespective dual pole magnets 328 and 330) may exert balanced forces on acarrier frame 302 to cause the carrier frame to translate in the OIS-Ydirection, e.g. the forces may not cause rotation of the carrier frame.

Static flexure 322 also includes OIS-X driver 510 and OIS-X coil 506mounted to the static flexure 322. OIS-X coil 506 may be positionedadjacent to magnet 332 mounted in carrier frame 302 (shown in FIG. 3)and together with single pole magnet 332 (shown in FIG. 3), may form avoice coil motor actuator that causes the carrier frame 302 to translatein the OIS-X direction. Note that event though there is a single OIS-Xcoil the Lorentz forces generated by the VCM-X actuator formed betweenmagnet 332 and OIS-X coil 506 may act on the center of mass of thecarrier frame and substrate carrier assembly to avoid unbalanced forcesthat may cause rotation of the carrier frame and substrate carrierassembly about the Z-axis.

In some embodiments, hall sensors are mounted on an underside of staticflexure 322 beneath OIS-Y coil 502 and/or OIS-Y coil 504. Also, in someembodiments a hall sensor is mounted on an underside of static flexure322 beneath OIS-X coil 506.

FIG. 6A illustrates positional relationships between coils and magnetsin a voice coil motor (VCM) assembly, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates dual pole magnet 328, dual pole magnet 330, andsingle pole magnet 332. Note that dual pole magnet 328, dual pole magnet330, and single pole magnet 332 are actually mounted in carrier frame302, but carrier frame 302 is not shown in FIG. 6A for ease ofillustration. Also, AF-Z coils are shown in FIG. 6A adjacent to dualpole magnets 328 and 330. For example, AF-Z coil 602 is mounted adjacentto dual pole magnet 330 on a different side of dual pole magnet 330 thata side on which OIS-Y coil 502 is mounted. In some embodiments, OIS-Ycoil 502 and AF-Z coil 602 are mounted adjacent to perpendicular sidesof dual pole magnet 502. Also, in some embodiments, OIS-Y coil 502 andAF-Z coil 602 are oriented perpendicular to one another. Dual polemagnet 328, OIS-Y coil 504, and AF-Z coil 604 are similarly oriented onan opposite side of carrier frame 302.

In some embodiments, AF-Z coils 602 and 604 are mounted to a substratecarrier, such as substrate carrier 304, and together with dual polemagnets 328 and 330 form VCM actuators that generate Lorentz forces thatcause a substrate carrier, such as substrate carrier 304, to translatein a vertical direction relative to a carrier frame, such as carrierframe 302, wherein the substrate carrier translates within the carrierframe in which the substrate carrier is mounted. In this way theresulting AF-Z VCM actuators may cause a vertical position of an imagesensor, such as image sensor 308, to be adjusted by adjusting therelative position of the substrate carrier relative to the carrierframe. Note that for ease of illustration, the substrate carrier is notshown, but the substrate 306 is shown below and at least some componentsmounted to the substrate are shown, such as the AF-Z coils 602 and 604.

Also, AF-Z driver 608 is mounted on substrate 306 and drives AF-Z coils602 and 604. Additionally, AF-Z hall sensor 610 is shown mountedvertically on vertical flex 606 on a backside of the vertical flexbetween the vertical flex and single pole magnet 332. Because the AF-Zsensor 610 is mounted on vertical flex 606 which is ultimately coupledto substrate carrier 304 and moves with substrate carrier 304 inside ofcarrier frame 302, any X or Y motion of single pole magnet 332 and/orAF-Z sensor 610 are the same because in the X-direction and in theY-direction, both the substrate carrier (to which AF-Z sensor 610 ismounted) and the carrier frame (to which single pole magnet 332 ismounted) move together as a unit, such that there is minimal or norelative X or Y motion between the AF-Z sensor 610 and single polemagnet 332. Thus, there is little to no cross coupling of displacementmeasurements in the X, Y, or Z directions.

FIG. 6B is a zoomed-in view of a cross-section illustrating an opticalimage stabilization (OIS) actuator in the OIS-Y direction, an autofocus(AF) actuator in the AF-Z direction, and a position sensor in the OIS-Ydirection, according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 6B, OIS-Y coil 504 is mounted in/on static flex 322,which is statically mounted in a voice coil motor actuator assembly,such as voice coil motor actuator assembly 300. For example static flex322 may be supported by a canister, casing, or other static componentsof a voice coil motor actuator assembly. Also, OIS-Y hall sensor 604 ismounted on an underside of static flex 322 and measures a magnetic fieldof dual pole magnet 328, which may be used to determine a displacementof the carrier frame in the Y-direction. Note that dual pole magnet 328is mounted in carrier frame 302 and moves with carrier frame 302. Also,FIG. 6B shows AF-Z coil 604 mounted on a side of substrate carrier 304,wherein AF-Z coil 604 interacts with dual pole magnet 328 to generateLorentz forces that cause the substrate carrier 304 to move verticallyrelative to the carrier frame 302 in the Z-direction.

FIG. 6C is a zoomed-in view of a cross section illustrating an opticalimage stabilization (OIS) actuator in the OIS-X direction, a positionsensor in the OIS-X direction, and a position sensor in the autofocus(AF)-Z direction, according to some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 6C, OIS-X coil 506 is mounted on static flex 322 andOIS-X hall sensor 606 is mounted on an underside of static flex 322,wherein OIS-X hall sensor 606 measures a magnetic field of single polemagnet 302, which may be used to determine a displacement of the carrierframe in the X-direction. Also, note that single-pole magnet 332 ismounted in/on carrier frame 302 and moves with carrier frame 302. Singlepole magnet 332 may be located on an opposite end of a carrier framefrom an open end of the carrier frame, and may be adjacent to a back endof a substrate carrier that includes a vertical flexure mounted on thesubstrate carrier, wherein an AF-Z hall sensor is vertically mounted onthe vertical flex coupled to the substrate carrier. For example,vertical flex 606 is coupled to substrate carrier 304 and AF-Z hallsensor 610 is coupled to vertical flex 606 and measures a magnetic fieldof single pole magnet 332 to determine a vertical displacement of thesubstrate carrier 304 relative to carrier frame 302 in which the singlepole magnet 332 is mounted. Also, shown in FIG. 6B is AF-Z driver 608mounted beneath a cut out portion of vertical flex 606.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a voice coil motor assembly(VCM) configured to translate an image sensor in an autofocus directionand multiple optical image stabilization directions, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed view of an assembled voice coil motoractuator assembly, according to some embodiments. Note that acousticbumper tabs, such as acoustic bumper tabs 416, 418, 420, 422, 426, 428,and 430 shown in FIG. 4 are also shown in spring plate 334 illustratedin FIG. 7. The acoustic bumper tabs interact with corresponding stopbuttons/knobs 702 and 704 to limit motion of the substrate carrier 304in an upward vertical direction and to limit motion of the substratecarrier 304 in a downward vertical direction beyond respective upwardand downward travel ends of a travel distance of the substrate carrierin the carrier frame 302. Note that similar components as illustrated inFIGS. 3-6 are shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the components shownin FIGS. 1-6 may be arranged in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 7, orin other embodiments may vary.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view, from a bottom-side, of a voicecoil motor assembly (VCM) configured to translate an image sensor in anautofocus direction and multiple optical image stabilization directions,according to some embodiments.

In some embodiments, a lower flexure 312 may include flexure arms 314 asillustrated in FIG. 8 that connect to a moveable portion 804 of thelower flexure. In some embodiments, an image sensor, such as imagesensor 308, may mount on a substrate connected to the moveable portion804 of the lower flexure 312. A static portion 310 of the lower flexure312 may remain statically coupled to a casing or a VCM actuatorassembly, but flex arms 314 of the lower flexure 312 may permit themoveable portion 804 to move in the X, Y, and Z directions relative tothe static portion 310. Also, the flex arms 314 may provide acommunication path between the movable portion 804 and the staticportion 310, such that communications may be passed between the moveableportion 804 and the static portion 310 while the moveable portion 804moves in X, Y, and/or X directions.

In some embodiments, suspension elements 324 may mount to a static baseof a VCM actuator assembly via pads 802, as shown in FIG. 8. Note thatsimilar components as illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 are shown in FIG. 8. Insome embodiments, the components shown in FIGS. 1-7 may be arranged in asimilar manner as shown in FIG. 8, or in other embodiments may vary.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example portable multifunctiondevice 900 that may include a folded optics arrangement camera and voicecoil motor actuator assembly configured to move an image sensor inthree-dimensions as described above, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, the portable multifunction device 900may include one or multiple features, components, and/or functionalityof embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-8, 10, and 11.

Camera(s) 964 is sometimes called an “optical sensor” for convenience,and may also be known as or called an optical sensor system. In someembodiments, camera 964 may be a folded optics arrangement camera andactuator system as described herein, such as folded optics arrangementcamera 100. Device 900 may include memory 902 (which may include one ormore computer readable storage mediums), memory controller 922, one ormore processing units (CPUs) 920, peripherals interface 918, RFcircuitry 908, audio circuitry 910, speaker 911, touch-sensitive displaysystem 912, microphone 913, input/output (I/O) subsystem 906, otherinput or control devices 916, and external port 924. Device 900 mayinclude one or more optical sensors 964. These components maycommunicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 903.

It should be appreciated that device 900 is only one example of aportable multifunction device, and that device 900 may have more orfewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or mayhave a different configuration or arrangement of the components. Thevarious components shown in FIG. 9 may be implemented in hardware,software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one ormore signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

Memory 902 may include high-speed random access memory and may alsoinclude non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storagedevices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memorydevices. Access to memory 902 by other components of device 900, such asCPU 920 and the peripherals interface 918, may be controlled by memorycontroller 922.

Peripherals interface 918 can be used to couple input and outputperipherals of the device to CPU 920 and memory 902. The one or moreprocessors 920 run or execute various software programs and/or sets ofinstructions stored in memory 902 to perform various functions fordevice 900 and to process data.

In some embodiments, peripherals interface 918, CPU 920, and memorycontroller 922 may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 904. Insome other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

RF (radio frequency) circuitry 908 receives and sends RF signals, alsocalled electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 908 converts electricalsignals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates withcommunications networks and other communications devices via theelectromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 908 may include well-knowncircuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited toan antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner,one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, asubscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RFcircuitry 908 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, alsoreferred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wirelessnetwork, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local areanetwork (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and otherdevices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may useany of a variety of communications standards, protocols andtechnologies, including but not limited to Global System for MobileCommunications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speeddownlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSDPA),wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multipleaccess (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/orIEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocolfor e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or postoffice protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messagingand presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for InstantMessaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messagingand Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or anyother suitable communication protocol, including communication protocolsnot yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

Audio circuitry 910, speaker 911, and microphone 913 provide an audiointerface between a user and device 900. Audio circuitry 910 receivesaudio data from peripherals interface 918, converts the audio data to anelectrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker 911.Speaker 911 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves.Audio circuitry 910 also receives electrical signals converted bymicrophone 913 from sound waves. Audio circuitry 910 converts theelectrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data toperipherals interface 918 for processing. Audio data may be retrievedfrom and/or transmitted to memory 902 and/or RF circuitry 908 byperipherals interface 918. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 910 alsoincludes a headset jack (e.g., 1012, FIG. 10). The headset jack providesan interface between audio circuitry 910 and removable audioinput/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headsetwith both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input(e.g., a microphone).

I/O subsystem 906 couples input/output peripherals on device 900, suchas touch screen 912 and other input control devices 916, to peripheralsinterface 918. I/O subsystem 906 may include display controller 956 andone or more input controllers 960 for other input or control devices.The one or more input controllers 960 receive/send electrical signalsfrom/to other input or control devices 916. The other input controldevices 916 may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rockerbuttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and soforth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s) 960 may becoupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port,USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons(e.g., 1008, FIG. 10) may include an up/down button for volume controlof speaker 911 and/or microphone 913. The one or more buttons mayinclude a push button (e.g., 1006, FIG. 10).

Touch-sensitive display 912 provides an input interface and an outputinterface between the device and a user. Display controller 956 receivesand/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen 912. Touch screen912 displays visual output to the user. The visual output may includegraphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectivelytermed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visualoutput may correspond to user-interface objects.

Touch screen 912 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensorsthat accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact.Touch screen 912 and display controller 956 (along with any associatedmodules and/or sets of instructions in memory 902) detect contact (andany movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen 912 andconverts the detected contact into interaction with user-interfaceobjects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) thatare displayed on touch screen 912. In an example embodiment, a point ofcontact between touch screen 912 and the user corresponds to a finger ofthe user.

Touch screen 912 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD(light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emittingdiode) technology, although other display technologies may be used inother embodiments. Touch screen 912 and display controller 956 maydetect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of avariety of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed,including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, andsurface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensorarrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contactwith touch screen 912. In an example embodiment, projected mutualcapacitance sensing technology is used.

Touch screen 912 may have a video resolution in excess of 800 dpi. Insome embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution ofapproximately 860 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen 912using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, andso forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to workprimarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be lessprecise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of afinger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translatesthe rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position orcommand for performing the actions desired by the user.

In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device 900 mayinclude a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particularfunctions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive areaof the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visualoutput. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separatefrom touch screen 912 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surfaceformed by the touch screen.

Device 900 also includes power system 962 for powering the variouscomponents. Power system 962 may include a power management system, oneor more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), arecharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converteror inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode(LED)) and any other components associated with the generation,management and distribution of power in portable devices.

Device 900 may also include one or more optical sensors or cameras 964.FIG. 9 shows an optical sensor 964 coupled to optical sensor controller958 in I/O subsystem 906. Optical sensor 964 may include charge-coupleddevice (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)phototransistors. Optical sensor 964 receives light from theenvironment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the lightto data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module 943(also called a camera module), optical sensor 964 may capture stillimages or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor 964 is locatedon the back of device 900, opposite touch screen display 912 on thefront of the device, so that the touch screen display 912 may be used asa viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In someembodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of thedevice so that the user's image may be obtained for videoconferencingwhile the user views the other video conference participants on thetouch screen display.

Device 900 may also include one or more proximity sensors 966. FIG. 9shows proximity sensor 966 coupled to peripherals interface 918.Alternately, proximity sensor 966 may be coupled to input controller 960in I/O subsystem 906. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 966turns off and disables touch screen 912 when the multifunction device900 is placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the user is making a phonecall).

Device 900 includes one or more orientation sensors 968. In someembodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 968 include one or moreaccelerometers (e.g., one or more linear accelerometers and/or one ormore rotational accelerometers). In some embodiments, the one or moreorientation sensors 968 include one or more gyroscopes. In someembodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 968 include one or moremagnetometers. In some embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors968 include one or more of global positioning system (GPS), GlobalNavigation Satellite System (GLONASS), and/or other global navigationsystem receivers. The GPS, GLONASS, and/or other global navigationsystem receivers may be used for obtaining information concerning thelocation and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) of device 900. Insome embodiments, the one or more orientation sensors 968 include anycombination of orientation/rotation sensors. FIG. 9 shows the one ormore orientation sensors 968 coupled to peripherals interface 918.Alternately, the one or more orientation sensors 968 may be coupled toan input controller 960 in I/O subsystem 906. In some embodiments,information is displayed on the touch screen display 912 in a portraitview or a landscape view based on an analysis of data received from theone or more orientation sensors 968.

In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 902include operating system 926, communication module (or set ofinstructions) 928, contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 930,graphics module (or set of instructions) 932, text input module (or setof instructions) 934, Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set ofinstructions) 935, arbiter module 959 and applications (or sets ofinstructions) 936. Furthermore, in some embodiments memory 902 storesdevice/global internal state 957. Device/global internal state 957includes one or more of: active application state, indicating whichapplications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicatingwhat applications, views or other information occupy various regions oftouch screen display 912; sensor state, including information obtainedfrom the device's various sensors and input control devices 916; andlocation information concerning the device's location and/or attitude.

Operating system 926 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, oran embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes various softwarecomponents and/or drivers for controlling and managing general systemtasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, powermanagement, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardwareand software components.

Communication module 928 facilitates communication with other devicesover one or more external ports 924 and also includes various softwarecomponents for handling data received by RF circuitry 908 and/orexternal port 924. External port 924 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB),FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices orindirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). Insome embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin)connector.

Contact/motion module 930 may detect contact with touch screen 912 (inconjunction with display controller 956) and other touch sensitivedevices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). In some embodiments,contact/motion module 930 and display controller 956 detect contact on atouchpad. Contact/motion module 930 may detect a gesture input by auser. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have differentcontact patterns. Graphics module 932 includes various known softwarecomponents for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen 912 orother display, including components for changing the intensity ofgraphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics”includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including withoutlimitation text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objectsincluding soft keys), digital images, videos, animations and the like.Text input module 934, which may be a component of graphics module 932,provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g.,contacts, e-mail, and any other application that needs text input). GPSmodule 935 determines the location of the device and provides thisinformation for use in various applications 936 (e.g., to a cameraapplication as picture/video metadata).

Applications 936 may include one or more modules (e.g., a contactsmodule, an email client module, a camera module for still and/or videoimages, etc.) Examples of other applications 936 that may be stored inmemory 902 include other word processing applications, other imageediting applications, drawing applications, presentation applications,JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voicerecognition, and voice replication. Each of the modules and applicationscorrespond to a set of executable instructions for performing one ormore functions described above and the methods described in thisapplication (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and otherinformation processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e.,sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate softwareprograms, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of thesemodules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments.In some embodiments, memory 902 may store a subset of the modules anddata structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 902 may storeadditional modules and data structures not described above.

FIG. 10 depicts an example portable multifunction device 900 that mayinclude a camera with a folded optics arrangement, in accordance withsome embodiments. In some embodiments, the portable multifunction device900 may include one or multiple features, components, and/orfunctionality of embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS.1-9 and 11.

The device 900 may have a touch screen 912. The touch screen 912 maydisplay one or more graphics within user interface (UI) 1000. In thisembodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one ormore of the graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example,with one or more fingers 1002 (not drawn to scale in the figure) or oneor more styluses 1003 (not shown in FIG. 10).

Device 900 may also include one or more physical buttons, such as “home”or menu button 1004. As described previously, menu button 1004 may beused to navigate to any application 936 in a set of applications thatmay be executed on device 900. Alternatively, in some embodiments, themenu button 1004 is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed ontouch screen 912.

In one embodiment, device 900 includes touch screen 912, menu button1004, push button 1006 for powering the device on/off and locking thedevice, volume adjustment button(s) 1008, Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) card slot 1010, head set jack 1012, and docking/charging externalport 924. Push button 1006 may be used to turn the power on/off on thedevice by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressedstate for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressingthe button and releasing the button before the predefined time intervalhas elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process.In an alternative embodiment, device 900 also may accept verbal inputfor activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone 913.

It should be noted that, although many of the examples herein are givenwith reference to optical sensor(s)/camera(s) 964 (on the front of adevice), one or more rear-facing cameras or optical sensors that arepointed opposite from the display may be used instead of, or in additionto, an optical sensor(s)/camera(s) 964 on the front of a device.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example computer system 1100 that may include acamera with a folded optics arrangement, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 1100 may includeone or multiple features, components, and/or functionality ofembodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-10.

The computer system 1100 may be configured to execute any or all of theembodiments described above. In different embodiments, computer system1100 may be any of various types of devices, including, but not limitedto, a personal computer system, desktop computer, laptop, notebook,tablet, slate, pad, or netbook computer, mainframe computer system,handheld computer, workstation, network computer, a camera, a set topbox, a mobile device, a consumer device, video game console, handheldvideo game device, application server, storage device, a television, avideo recording device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem,router, or in general any type of computing or electronic device.

Various embodiments of a camera motion control system as describedherein, including embodiments of magnetic position sensing, as describedherein may be executed in one or more computer systems 1100, which mayinteract with various other devices. Note that any component, action, orfunctionality described above with respect to FIGS. 1-10 may beimplemented on one or more computers configured as computer system 1100of FIG. 11, according to various embodiments. In the illustratedembodiment, computer system 1100 includes one or more processors 1110coupled to a system memory 1120 via an input/output (I/O) interface1130. Computer system 1100 further includes a network interface 1140coupled to I/O interface 1130, and one or more input/output devices1150, such as cursor control device 1160, keyboard 1170, and display(s)1180. In some cases, it is contemplated that embodiments may beimplemented using a single instance of computer system 1100, while inother embodiments multiple such systems, or multiple nodes making upcomputer system 1100, may be configured to host different portions orinstances of embodiments. For example, in one embodiment some elementsmay be implemented via one or more nodes of computer system 1100 thatare distinct from those nodes implementing other elements.

In various embodiments, computer system 1100 may be a uniprocessorsystem including one processor 1110, or a multiprocessor systemincluding several processors 1110 (e.g., two, four, eight, or anothersuitable number). Processors 1110 may be any suitable processor capableof executing instructions. For example, in various embodimentsprocessors 1110 may be general-purpose or embedded processorsimplementing any of a variety of instruction set architectures (ISAs),such as the x86, PowerPC, SPARC, or MIPS ISAs, or any other suitableISA. In multiprocessor systems, each of processors 1110 may commonly,but not necessarily, implement the same ISA.

System memory 1120 may be configured to store camera control programinstructions 1122 and/or camera control data accessible by processor1110. In various embodiments, system memory 1120 may be implementedusing any suitable memory technology, such as static random accessmemory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile/Flash-typememory, or any other type of memory. In the illustrated embodiment,program instructions 1122 may be configured to implement a lens controlapplication 1124 incorporating any of the functionality described above.Additionally, existing camera control data 1132 of memory 1120 mayinclude any of the information or data structures described above. Insome embodiments, program instructions and/or data may be received, sentor stored upon different types of computer-accessible media or onsimilar media separate from system memory 1120 or computer system 1100.While computer system 1100 is described as implementing thefunctionality of functional blocks of previous Figures, any of thefunctionality described herein may be implemented via such a computersystem.

In one embodiment, I/O interface 1130 may be configured to coordinateI/O traffic between processor 1110, system memory 1120, and anyperipheral devices in the device, including network interface 1140 orother peripheral interfaces, such as input/output devices 1150. In someembodiments, I/O interface 1130 may perform any necessary protocol,timing or other data transformations to convert data signals from onecomponent (e.g., system memory 1120) into a format suitable for use byanother component (e.g., processor 1110). In some embodiments, I/Ointerface 1130 may include support for devices attached through varioustypes of peripheral buses, such as a variant of the Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus standard or the Universal Serial Bus (USB)standard, for example. In some embodiments, the function of I/Ointerface 1130 may be split into two or more separate components, suchas a north bridge and a south bridge, for example. Also, in someembodiments some or all of the functionality of I/O interface 1130, suchas an interface to system memory 1120, may be incorporated directly intoprocessor 1110.

Network interface 1140 may be configured to allow data to be exchangedbetween computer system 1100 and other devices attached to a network1185 (e.g., carrier or agent devices) or between nodes of computersystem 1100. Network 1185 may in various embodiments include one or morenetworks including but not limited to Local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g.,an Ethernet or corporate network), Wide Area Networks (WANs) (e.g., theInternet), wireless data networks, some other electronic data network,or some combination thereof. In various embodiments, network interface1140 may support communication via wired or wireless general datanetworks, such as any suitable type of Ethernet network, for example;via telecommunications/telephony networks such as analog voice networksor digital fiber communications networks; via storage area networks suchas Fibre Channel SANs, or via any other suitable type of network and/orprotocol.

Input/output devices 1150 may, in some embodiments, include one or moredisplay terminals, keyboards, keypads, touchpads, scanning devices,voice or optical recognition devices, or any other devices suitable forentering or accessing data by one or more computer systems 1100.Multiple input/output devices 1150 may be present in computer system1100 or may be distributed on various nodes of computer system 1100. Insome embodiments, similar input/output devices may be separate fromcomputer system 1100 and may interact with one or more nodes of computersystem 1100 through a wired or wireless connection, such as over networkinterface 1140.

As shown in FIG. 11, memory 1120 may include program instructions 1122,which may be processor-executable to implement any element or actiondescribed above. In one embodiment, the program instructions mayimplement the methods described above. In other embodiments, differentelements and data may be included. Note that data may include any dataor information described above.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computer system 1100 ismerely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments. In particular, the computer system and devices may includeany combination of hardware or software that can perform the indicatedfunctions, including computers, network devices, Internet appliances,PDAs, wireless phones, pagers, etc. Computer system 1100 may also beconnected to other devices that are not illustrated, or instead mayoperate as a stand-alone system. In addition, the functionality providedby the illustrated components may in some embodiments be combined infewer components or distributed in additional components. Similarly, insome embodiments, the functionality of some of the illustratedcomponents may not be provided and/or other additional functionality maybe available.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that, while various itemsare illustrated as being stored in memory or on storage while beingused, these items or portions of them may be transferred between memoryand other storage devices for purposes of memory management and dataintegrity. Alternatively, in other embodiments some or all of thesoftware components may execute in memory on another device andcommunicate with the illustrated computer system via inter-computercommunication. Some or all of the system components or data structuresmay also be stored (e.g., as instructions or structured data) on acomputer-accessible medium or a portable article to be read by anappropriate drive, various examples of which are described above. Insome embodiments, instructions stored on a computer-accessible mediumseparate from computer system 1100 may be transmitted to computer system1100 via transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as a network and/or a wireless link. Various embodiments mayfurther include receiving, sending or storing instructions and/or dataimplemented in accordance with the foregoing description upon acomputer-accessible medium. Generally speaking, a computer-accessiblemedium may include a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium ormemory medium such as magnetic or optical media, e.g., disk orDVD/CD-ROM, volatile or non-volatile media such as RAM (e.g. SDRAM, DDR,RDRAM, SRAM, etc.), ROM, etc. In some embodiments, a computer-accessiblemedium may include transmission media or signals such as electrical,electromagnetic, or digital signals, conveyed via a communication mediumsuch as network and/or a wireless link.

The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware,or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, theorder of the blocks of the methods may be changed, and various elementsmay be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Variousmodifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to a personskilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The variousembodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative and notlimiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvementsare possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided forcomponents described herein as a single instance. Boundaries betweenvarious components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally,structures and functionality presented as discrete components in theexample configurations may be implemented as a combined structure orcomponent. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in theclaims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera, comprising: an aperture configured toenable light to enter the camera; an image sensor configured to capturethe light that has entered the camera and convert the light into imagesignals; a substrate carrier, configured to support the image sensor; acarrier frame at least partially surrounding the substrate carrier andconfigured to support a plurality of magnets; and an assembly thatmechanically couples the substrate carrier to the carrier frame, andpermits motion of the substrate carrier relative to the carrier frame inan autofocus (AF) direction, and permits motion of the carrier frame andthe substrate carrier in a plurality of optical image stabilization(OIS) directions orthogonal to the autofocus (AF) direction; theplurality of magnets comprising: a first magnet coupled to a first sideof the carrier frame; a second magnet coupled to a second side of thecarrier frame opposite the first side; and a third magnet coupled to athird side of the carrier frame orthogonal to the first and second sideof the carrier frame; wherein magnetic fields from the first magnet andsecond magnet are used in a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly tomove the image sensor in the autofocus (AF) direction and move the imagesensor in one of the optical image stabilization (OIS) directionsorthogonal to the autofocus direction; and wherein a magnetic field fromthe third magnet is used in the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assemblyto move the image sensor in a different one of the optical imagestabilization directions orthogonal to the autofocus direction.
 2. Thecamera of claim 1, wherein: the first and second magnets are two dualpole magnets mounted on the opposite sides of the carrier frame; and thethird magnet is a single pole magnet mounted on a side of the carrierframe orthogonal to the sides on which the dual pole magnets aremounted.
 3. The camera of claim 1, wherein no magnets are mounted on afourth side of the carrier frame that remains open, such that a portionof an optical assembly of a folded optics arrangement camera can passthrough the open side of the carrier frame.
 4. The camera of claim 1,further comprising: respective coils associated with each of the first,second and third magnets of the VCM actuator assembly; wherein thefirst, second and third magnets of the VCM actuator assembly move withthe carrier frame and the respective coils associated with the magnetsremain stationary.
 5. The camera of claim 1, wherein: the assembly thatmechanically couples comprises a static flexure positioned underneaththe first, second and third magnets; and the carrier frame is suspendedabove the static flexure.
 6. The camera of claim 1, wherein: the firstand second magnets are two dual pole magnets mounted on the oppositesides of the carrier frame; and the camera further comprises: a firstcoil coupled to the substrate carrier on a side of the substrate carrieradjacent to the first side of the carrier frame; and a second coilcoupled to the substrate carrier on another side of the substratecarrier that is adjacent to the second side of the carrier frame,wherein the first coil and the second coil interact with the first dualpole magnet and the second dual pole magnet to cause the substratecarrier to move relative to the carrier frame in the autofocus (AF)direction.
 7. The camera of claim 6, further comprising: a third coilcoupled to a static flexure on a portion of the static flexurepositioned adjacent to the dual pole magnet; and a fourth coil coupledto the static flexure on a portion of the static flexure adjacent to thesecond dual pole magnet, wherein the third coil and the fourth coilinteract with the dual pole magnet and the second dual pole magnet tocause the carrier frame and the substrate carrier to move in a firstoptical image stabilization (OIS) direction; and a fifth coil coupled tothe static flexure on a portion of the static flexure adjacent to thesingle pole magnet, wherein the fifth coil interacts with the singlepole magnet to cause the carrier frame and the substrate carrier to movein a second optical image stabilization (OIS) direction orthogonal tothe first optical image stabilization (OIS) direction.
 8. The camera ofclaim 1, wherein the camera is a folded optics camera comprising: aprism configured to redirect the light that enters the camera via theaperture; and an additional prism configured to redirect the lightredirected by the prism such that the light is directed into theautofocus direction, wherein the image sensor is positioned in thecamera such that the light directed in the autofocus direction isdirected toward the image sensor.
 9. A voice coil motor actuatorassembly, comprising: a substrate carrier configured to support an imagesensor; a carrier frame at least partially surrounding the substratecarrier and configured to support a plurality of magnets; and anassembly that mechanically couples the substrate carrier to the carrierframe and permits motion of the substrate carrier relative to thecarrier frame in an autofocus (AF) direction, and permits motion of thecarrier frame and the substrate carrier in a plurality of optical imagestabilization (OIS) directions orthogonal to the autofocus (AF)direction; the plurality of magnets comprising: a first magnet coupledto a first side of the carrier frame; a second magnet coupled to asecond side of the carrier frame opposite the first side; and a thirdmagnet coupled to a third side of the carrier frame orthogonal to thefirst and second side of the carrier frame; wherein magnetic fields fromthe first magnet and second magnet are used in the voice coil motor(VCM) actuator assembly move the image sensor in the autofocus (AF)direction and move the image sensor in one of the optical imagestabilization (OIS) directions orthogonal to the autofocus direction;and wherein a magnetic field from the third magnet is used in the voicecoil motor (VCM) actuator assembly to move the image sensor in adifferent one of the optical image stabilization (OIS) directionsorthogonal to the autofocus direction.
 10. The voice coil motor actuatorassembly of claim 9, wherein: the first and second magnets are two dualpole magnets mounted on the opposite sides of the carrier frame; and thethird magnet is a single pole magnet mounted on a side of the carrierframe orthogonal to the sides on which the dual pole magnets aremounted.
 11. The voice coil motor actuator assembly of claim 9, whereinno magnets are mounted on a fourth side of the carrier frame thatremains open, such that a portion of an optical assembly of a foldedoptics arrangement camera can pass through the open side of the carrierframe.
 12. The voice coil motor actuator assembly of claim 9, furthercomprising: respective coils associated with each of the first, secondand third magnets of the VCM actuator assembly; wherein the first,second and third magnets of the VCM actuator assembly move with thecarrier frame and the respective coils associated with the magnetsremain stationary.
 13. The voice coil motor actuator assembly of claim9, wherein: the first and second magnets are two dual pole magnetsmounted on the opposite sides of the carrier frame; and the voice coilmotor actuator assembly further comprises: a first coil coupled to thesubstrate carrier on a side of the substrate carrier adjacent to thefirst side of the carrier frame; and a second coil coupled to thesubstrate carrier on another side of the substrate carrier that isadjacent to the second side of the carrier frame, wherein the first coiland the second coil interact with the first dual pole magnet and thesecond dual pole magnet to cause the substrate carrier to move relativeto the carrier frame in the autofocus (AF) direction.
 14. The voice coilmotor assembly of claim 9, further comprising: a third coil coupled to astatic flexure on a portion of the static flexure positioned adjacent tothe dual pole magnet and a fourth coil coupled to the static flexure ona portion of the static flexure adjacent to the second dual pole magnet,wherein the third coil and the fourth coil interact with the first dualpole magnet and the second dual pole magnet to cause the carrier frameand the substrate carrier to move in a first optical image stabilization(OIS) direction; and a fifth coil coupled to the static flexure on aportion of the static flexure adjacent to the single pole magnet,wherein the fifth coil interacts with the single pole magnet to causethe carrier frame and the substrate carrier to move in a second opticalimage stabilization (OIS) direction orthogonal to the first opticalimage stabilization (OIS) direction.
 15. A mobile multifunction device,comprising: a camera comprising: an aperture configured to enable lightto enter the camera; an image sensor configured to capture the lightthat has entered the camera and convert the light into image signals;and a voice coil motor actuator assembly comprising: a substrate carrierconfigured to support the image sensor; a carrier frame at leastpartially surrounding the substrate carrier and configured to support aplurality of magnets; and an assembly that mechanically couples thesubstrate carrier to the carrier frame, and permits motion of thesubstrate carrier relative to the carrier frame in an autofocus (AF)direction, and permits motion of the carrier frame and the substratecarrier in a plurality of optical image stabilization (OIS) directionsorthogonal to the autofocus (AF) direction; the plurality of magnetscomprising: a first magnet coupled to a first side of the carrier frame;a second magnet coupled to a second side of the carrier frame oppositethe first side; and a third magnet coupled to a third side of thecarrier frame orthogonal to the first and second side of the carrierframe; wherein magnetic fields from the first magnet and second magnetare used in the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly to move theimage sensor in the autofocus (AF) direction and move the image sensorin one of the optical image stabilization (OIS) directions orthogonal tothe autofocus direction; and wherein a magnetic field from the thirdmagnet is used in the voice coil motor (VCM) actuator assembly to movethe image sensor in a different one of the optical image stabilization(OIS) directions orthogonal to the autofocus direction.
 16. The mobilemulti-function device of claim 15, wherein the camera is a folded opticscamera comprising: a prism configured to redirect the light that entersthe camera via the aperture; and an additional prism configured toredirect the light redirected by the prism such that the light isdirected into the autofocus direction, wherein the image sensor ispositioned in the camera such that the light directed in the autofocusdirection is directed toward the image sensor.
 17. The mobilemulti-function device of claim 15, wherein: the first and second magnetsare two dual pole magnets mounted on the opposite sides of the carrierframe; and the third magnet is a single pole magnet mounted on a side ofthe carrier frame orthogonal to the sides on which the dual pole magnetsare mounted.
 18. The mobile multi-function device of claim 15, whereinno magnets are mounted on a fourth side of the carrier frame thatremains open, such that a portion of an optical assembly of a foldedoptics arrangement camera can pass through the open side of the carrierframe.
 19. The mobile multi-function device of claim 15, wherein thefirst and second magnets are two dual pole magnets mounted on theopposite sides of the carrier frame; and the voice coil motor actuatorassembly further comprises: a first coil coupled to the substratecarrier on a side of the substrate carrier adjacent to the first side ofthe carrier frame; and a second coil coupled to the substrate carrier onanother side of the substrate carrier that is adjacent to the secondside of the carrier frame, wherein the first coil and the second coilinteract with the dual pole magnet and the second dual pole magnet tocause the substrate carrier to move relative to the carrier frame in theautofocus (AF) direction.
 20. The mobile-multi-function device of claim19, wherein the voice coil motor actuator assembly further comprises: athird coil coupled to a static flexure on a portion of the staticflexure positioned adjacent to the dual pole magnet and a fourth coilcoupled to the static flexure on a portion of the static flexureadjacent to the second dual pole magnet, wherein the third coil and thefourth coil interact with the dual pole magnet and the second dual polemagnet to cause the carrier frame and the substrate carrier to move in afirst optical image stabilization (OIS) direction; and a fifth coilcoupled to the static flexure on a portion of the static flexureadjacent to the single pole magnet, wherein the fifth coil interactswith the single pole magnet to cause the carrier frame and the substratecarrier to move in a second optical image stabilization (OIS) directionorthogonal to the first optical image stabilization (OIS) direction.